Located 135 mi/220 km northeast of Moscow, Suzdal is one of the oldest towns in Russia, dating from 1024. It's full of onion-domed churches, monasteries and other examples of traditional Russian structures. Almost no buildings are taller than two stories. One monastery in town has rooms available for lodging. You can also stay at Aleksandrovskoe Podvorie in a traditional Russian izba that has been converted into a comfortable hotel. The city's Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life (http://suzdal.org.ru/Arhitect/derev_zodch.htm) is similar to those in Novgorod and Kizhi, with a varied and interesting collection of buildings.
Suzdal is enjoyable in the summer when all the monasteries, churches and wooden houses are lit by the sun, and the river is shining brightly below on the plain. It's lovely in winter, too, when snow blankets the landscape and highlights the features of the buildings. Early booking is recommended.
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